News Summary: US OKs Japan entry into trade talks
US approves Japan's entry into trans-Pacific trade pact negotiations
TRADE STEP: The United States on Friday approved Japan's entry into negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a critical step for Tokyo's inclusion in a regional pact that underpins the Obama administration's efforts to boost exports to Asia.
MAKING PROGRESS: Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis said in a statement that the U.S. and Japan have agreed on robust actions in the automotive and insurance sectors, as well as other non-tariff measures — key areas of U.S. concern.
STILL TO COME: Japan's admission into the TPP negotiations still requires the approval of the other 10 nations involved, and "the completion of our respective domestic processes," the statement said.